The editorial and article “Who’s watching you?” (13 July) about lesson observations misses the point regarding teacher improvement. Being observed has little impact on improving pedagogy, but observing significant others and planning with them does. That was why the late inspirational teacher-educator Dorothy Heathcote was successful. Students watched, planned and worked alongside her. She turned against a prevailing lecture and monitor style of training, instead adopting an apprenticeship model. Your editorial notes how Lauren Dalgarno (TES Schools Awards’ teacher of the year) is observed by colleagues eager to learn. Those same colleagues would gain little by being observed and critiqued by her. If they also plan and co-teach with her then that maximises development.

David Cross, Teacher and trainer, Leicester.